The Constitution gives the Federal Government control over all the military forces of the United States including the militia.
But what is the Militia? The Militia was, and still is, a grouping of citizens capable of being called to military service. It is not an organization. Individuals in the group have no power to act unless they are called to service. Once mustered into service, the militiaman becomes part of the military and is placed in a military unit. He is subject to military law and is obliged to obey the orders of his officers.
Who has the power to call out the militia? The President, your Governor, and in most states, the sheriff or the municipal authorities. The purpose for which the militia can be called into service is to enforce the law, to protect the lives and property of citizens of the community, to suppress riot or insurrection, or to repel invasion.
The promotion of policy or politics is not a lawful reason to call forth the militia. When the militiaman becomes a soldier, he loses his right to trial by jury and can be punished by a court martial, a broad of military officers. If he fails to obey the lawful orders of his superiors, he can be punished. In time of war, he can be executed for failure to obey those orders. If a group of militiamen fail to obey orders, and engage in what would be considered lawful protest in the civilian world, the military considers that mutiny. Mutiny is a serious offense which, under certain conditions, can be punished by death. If a body of persons under arms resists the lawful orders of civilian authorities, that may equal sedition or treason. Those crimes also carry the death penalty.
Being in an active militia unit is not a game. It carries legal responsibilities.
